Dr Vega Vega’s action claims denial of natural justice

ROCKHAMPTON surgeon Dr Antonio Vega Vega is fighting against an investigation into his practices, claiming it breaches the rules of natural justice.

Ashurst Lawyers filed an application in the Supreme Court of Brisbane against the State Government and the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board in September. Last week the matter was set down for trial in February next year.

According to court documents, Dr Vega Vega (pictured) is arguing that the investigation was biased.

The application seeks an order restraining the CQHHS board and the government from acting on the findings of the investigation until the determination of the proceedings.

In the application, Dr Vega Vega claims he was not given access to information and documents relied upon by the investigators and evidence supporting him was rejected or ignored.

The court documents also claim that a number of the investigators had been engaged in advocacy roles for either the Queensland Department of Health or the CQHHS board.

Dr Vega Vega was stood down from his position at the Rockhampton Hospital in May amid allegations he botched four surgeries, including the removal of a patient's incorrect kidney.

The urologist has since been cleared by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal and his licence has been reinstated by the Medical Board of Australia.

In Rockhampton yesterday, Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the major concern of the CQHHS board was the safety of its patients.